President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has held extensive discussions on ways to address the issues and challenges facing Dhiggaru island of Meemu atoll.

This was done during a meeting held with the island council and the Women’s Development Committee (WDC) members on Saturday as part of the president’s ongoing tour of five islands in Meemu atoll.

The meeting saw Dhiggaru councilors expressing appreciation for the president’s approach in allowing them to consult with the administration regarding development plans.

Councilors went on to express gratitude for the opportunity to provide opinions and input on development projects ongoing in Dhiggaru.

The incumbent administration has initiated a number of development projects in the island, which recently observed the completion of the coastal protection project and the commencement of the land reclamation project.

Discussions also revolved around the most pertinent needs and issues of the island community including the dire need for a housing project, improving banking and healthcare services, addressing space constraints at the school and introducing higher secondary education, resolving issues facing the sewerage network and increasing water production capacity. T

The president was also requested to seek ways to expedite the land reclamation project.

Listening to these concerns, the president spoke regarding his decision to consult with and gather opinions from island communities for his development plans for the respective islands. This, he said, will assist the government in identifying the important needs of island communities.

Dhiggaru was the third destination of the president’s Meemu atoll tour.

This is also the president’s third time visiting the island since assuming office.

As part of the visit, President Solih attended a ceremony to inaugurate a volleyball court where he joined a friendly volleyball game between two veteran teams held as part of the inauguration ceremony.

Raiymandhoo was the president’s first destination of the tour, which he began on Saturday morning.

President Solih will be touring five islands of Meemu atoll during the three-day tour. He is currently in Dhiggaru. His next destinations are Veyvah and Muli.

He is accompanied by a high-level delegation of government officials.

The President’s Office revealed that during the visits, the president will be inspecting the progress of the ongoing development projects in these islands.

President Solih will participate in the ceremony marking the conclusion of the shore protection project in Dhiggaru island, as well as the ceremony to officially inaugurate the harbor and powerhouse in Veyvah island.

He will also sit down with members of the Meemu Atoll Council, island councils and Women’s Development Committees of the respective islands.

President Solih is expected to return to the capital on August 29, after concluding the visit.